hundreds gathered for memorial service to remember sandy hook elementary principal dawn hochsprung. she died trying to stop the shooter after he broke into the school. >> you don't have to know her. you just have to know what she did is an act of selflessness and that touches humanity. >> reporter: hochsprung's funeral is just one of five that will be held today. tuesday saw two more children laid to rest. 6-year-old james mattioli loved sports and math. his family called him a numbers guy. and jessica rekos loved horses. she wanted a cowgirl hat for christmas. yesterday was a day of mixed emotions for many parents and students as school reopened in newtown for everyone except the kids who attend sandy hook elementary. >> so, like, surreal. >> reporter: there were some who stayed away. >> my neighbor up the street, her kid didn't come back. >> reporter: but there was also this: smiles from children who appeared to be happy to be going back to school. the tragedy here has reopened a debate on what kind of guns should be allowed in society, with many now taking a new look at the issue